Seagulls on the attack

THE excitement was palpable as the Tweed Heads Seagulls capped off a return to the Piggabeen Sports Complex with a comprehensive 46-20 win over the Mackay Cutters.

The Seagulls made an enthusiastic start to the brutal top-of-the-table clash and took a 28-4 lead into half-time.

It was attacking football at its most entertaining and eight different players scored tries for the Seagulls, but it was the side's solid defence that most pleased coach Ben Anderson.

The Cutters couldn't get past their own 20-metre line for extended periods as the home side dominated.

“Once again it was a win built on the back of good defence,” Anderson said. “The second half was a bit different and we let them get a few points in, but it was while we had a player sin binned and were down to 12 men, I don't think they deserved those tries.”

Prop Aaron Cannings was the man sin binned for backchat, after the Cutters were given a penalty.

Cannings maintains all he said was “we can keep on tackling all day”, a comment intended to fire up his teammates more than offend a referee.

Lock Ryan Simpkins was voted Seagulls' players' player and Anderson said it was only a matter of time before he was snapped up by an NRL club.

“He was great in defence and trouble whenever he popped up with the ball,” Anderson said.

“He's really enjoying his role there at lock behind a big forward pack.”

Seagulls talisman Brad Davis was part of the team, despite a niggling knee injury, and was at his mercurial best.

Anderson pulled him from the field with 15 minutes to go as a precautionary measure to ensure he didn't damage his body.

The coach is very happy with the Seagulls' start to the season, which has them atop the ladder on for and against, one of three undefeated teams.

“To win our first three games is a really good start to the season especially after last year where we lost our first six games,” Anderson said.